Today we woke up anchored in the canal between Baltra and North Seymour islands, at sunrise the day was overcast and the temperature quite pleasant. As we disembarked Swallow-tailed gulls were at the landing site to greet us. They are the only nocturnal feeding gull in the world and are unique to Galapagos although they have a wondering phase in the open ocean before reaching sexual maturity. Immediately inland we encountered several California Sea Lions pubs that were just born and the placentas were still to be seen. Pupping season is here as female mammals tend to synchronize their ovulation.
Further along the trail we spotted lava lizards, land iguanas, blue footed boobies and both species of frigate birds nesting. Land iguanas were only introduced to North Seymour in 1933 and it’s always interesting to note how they have forced the surviving Opuntia cactus to grow taller and with thorns. From an original stock of sixty iguanas today we estimate to have over one thousand on the island and we have repopulated Baltra where they became extinct after the construction of the airstrip.
After the visit we navigated towards Rabida Island, an old island that has rusted into a bright red coloration. After lunch we snorkeled with sea lions and pacific green turtles along the northern side of the island. After showering and drying we had a pleasant walk along the shoreline enjoying the company of more sea lions, marine iguanas and the occasional mockingbird.
The sun set itself over Isabela Island where we are headed for tomorrow’s adventure. Another great day comes to an end.
